[rfrhoad]

I have two VERY cool hobbies.

The first, of course, is HomeBrewing.

The second - I am a professional Wood Worker.

I find the greatest thrill when my two hobbies come together - such is the case when I make Mash Paddles for my customers.   This particular customer is probably known by the vast majority of the AHA - HopUnion llc.

HopUnion llc approached me a couple of years ago.  They saw a Mash Paddle I designed a gave to Sam Calagione - owner of DogFish Head Brewery, http://lumberjocks.com/projects/57064 and wanted to know if I would be willing to work with them to design ten paddles - each with the carved logo of their craft brewery customers.

Here's the results:

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/70485

The work was tricky and tiresome at times, but when all was done I was VERY happy with the outcome.  So was HopUnion - so much in fact that they have hired me since for three more very special paddles.  Two of which were used a prizes for the 2012 and 2013 AHA Homebrew competition!

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/65918

I have also had the fortune of building six-pack holders, beer crates as well as other brewing related objects for customers over the years.

Oh yeah - here's a REALLY cool video of Sam from Dogfish Head using one of my paddles to stir in:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdoFwQOc87A&list=PLBF0519879F384EEA

All-in-all, nothing compares to homebrewing though!

You can see all my recent projects at  http://lumberjocks.com/KnotCurser/projects

Check out my Mash Paddle Web Page as well:  https://sites.google.com/site/rrwwcustommashpaddles

I have been making a lot of paddles for AHA Members recently - both basic and extremely customized.

Feel free to contact me with any woodworking ideas/requests - especially BEER Related!  :-)

Bob Rhoades
Severn, MD
www.rhoadesclan.com
rrww@rhoadesclan.com

[micsager]

Hey folks -

I ordered two of the mash paddles from Rob, and they are a terrific gift for the homebrewer in your life.  Or even a commercial brewer.  Rob does a great job, and is very easy to work with.

Thanks again Rob, the Klahhane Ridge one was very well received.......

[reverseapachemaster]

Those are some of the best looking mash paddles I've seen. I know there are other companies out there that do custom engravings on paddles but I haven't seen any that look that good. Really nice work.